Studies on the Physico-Chemical Parameters and Zooplankton Composition of Ajiwa Reservoir Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

Studies on the physico-chemical parameters and Zooplankton composition of Ajiwa reservoir, Katsina State, Nigeria was conducted from May 2012 to April 2013. Three sampling stations were selected; the physico-chemical and biological parameters were determined using standard methods and procedures. The result showed that; Water temperature (23.8 ± 0.8 °C), pH (6.8 ± 0.1), Turbidity (99.3 ± 3.6 NTU), Conductivity (129.9 ± 4.1µS/cm), Total Dissolved Solids (17.8 ±
 0.3 mg/L), Nitrate-nitrogen (6.01 ± 0.3 mg/L), Water hardness (88.8 ±1.4 mg/LCaCO3), Dissolved Oxygen (6.6 ± 0.3 mg/L), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (3.2 ± 0.4 mg/L), Phosphate- phosphorus (6.4 ± 0.2 mg/L) and Water depth (5.4±0.3 m) varied with months and seasons. Analysis of variance indicated significant difference between seasons (P<0.05); but there was no significant difference in zooplankton distribution and abundance between the three stations (P>0.05). The result indicated Zooplankton percentage composition as follows: Rotifera (30.55%), Copepoda (29.33%), Protozoa (22.27%), and Cladocera (17.85%). Water quality of the reservoir was influenced by anthropogenic activities such as runoffs of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides; however the reservoir water is suitable for irrigational and domestic purposes in terms of most of the physico-chemical and biological parameters analyzed. However, there is need for an effective anthropogenic inputs control strategy for the reservoir.